WestJet will put its own wide-body planes in the air as early as fall 2015, a move that brings the airline closer to its long-term goal of competing head-to-head with Air Canada for overseas travellers. The Calgary-based company said Monday it is in the “advanced stages” of sourcing its own wide-body aircraft. Bob Cummings — WestJet’s executive vice-president of sales, marketing, and guest experience — would not reveal the type of plane or whether it will be a purchase or lease arrangement, saying only that it will be a “quality, used” aircraft.

Raleigh, N.C. — Of course, it made for an uneasy time in Abbotsford. Hearing the big news — that Calgary Flames general manager Jay Feaster and assistant general manager John Weisbrod had been sacked — threw members of the Heat into an agitated state.

For Mark Giordano and a dozen others, auditions continue. The Calgary Flames captain may not have cracked Canada’s initial roster for the Olympics, but he remains close to inclusion. Giordano, as everyone knows, received a call from Steve Yzerman — “be ready” had been the message from the Team Canada boss.

Alberta may have to cough up an estimated $17.4 million that federal authorities say was improperly paid to it by a trust that claimed residency in the province to avoid higher taxes elsewhere in the country. Auditors with the Canada Revenue Agency are battling in court with the trustee for a prominent and prosperous Newfoundland family over its attempt to enjoy the so-called Alberta Advantage without actually moving.

Residents of Calgary and Edmonton still pay among the highest prices for electricity in the country, according to the annual Hydro Quebec power pricing survey. The good news for consumers is the price, calculated on April 1, is a few cents lower than it was last year at the same time.

CALGARY — The bloom on the employment boom in Wildrose country has not come off as Alberta led the country in year-over-year job growth in April. Statistics Canada reported Friday that employment in Alberta was up 3.9 per cent over the previous 12 months, the fastest growth of all provinces.

Tod Button isn’t about to launch a marketing campaign to remedy the sorry public perception of the Calgary Flames’ drafting prowess.
Every fan is entitled to his or her opinion, Button says. And in this case, the body of evidence suggests there’s work to be done for the Flames in the draft department.

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